Artwork
Saint Jerome
Saint Jerome is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Francesco Granacci. It dates from 1532 and is held in the collection of the Alte Pinakothek.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1532, this oil painting portrays Saint Jerome, a figure traditionally associated with scholarly contemplation. The work is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich and exemplifies the religious genre painting typical of early 16th‑century Italy.
Subject & Meaning
The saint is shown in a red robe over a white tunic, holding a green book that alludes to his biblical translations. A white beard and a lion’s head placed behind him reinforce his identification with the hermit scholar of the desert, emphasizing a mood of quiet reflection.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on panel, the composition displays the elongated forms and elegant poses characteristic of the Mannerist style. The use of a vivid red garment against a muted stone floor creates a striking color contrast, while the arched doorway frames the figure within a shallow interior space.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced by Florentine artist Francesco Granacci, who trained under Domenico Ghirlandaio alongside Michelangelo. Though his reputation has faded, Granacci was praised by contemporaries, notably Giorgio Vasari in his *Lives of the Artists*, and the work eventually entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco Granacci (1469 – 30 November 1543) was an Italian Renaissance painter active primarily in his native Florence.
